Introduction
The Hollywood industry has been playing a significant role in global film production since the beginning of the 20th century. There are many talented professionals in Hollywood who create exciting, engaging, and impressive films. One of them is Tyler Perry, an American actor and producer, who became one of the highest-paid professionals in Hollywood.
Perry is a unique and important figure in the film industry because his projects aim not only to entertain but also to raise topical issues of human beings. Thus, in his works, he discusses the issues that are mostly faced by black people, such as perspectives on race, class, and black authenticity. He also raises the questions of gender, religion, and spirituality.
All these themes are topical for all generations, which is why his works are especially valuable in the Hollywood industry. In this paper, the answer to the question of why Tyler Perry is an important figure in the film industry will be included. In addition, the information about what distinguishes him from other black directors will be discussed.
Main body
Indeed, the projects of Tyler Perry are unique as it is difficult to find another producer or director who can intertwine all the mentioned themes within their works. Through his works, he managed to transfer many important ideas to society. Thus, he shaped and reinforced Black cultural identity, described Black cultural life, emphasized gender roles in Black families, and depicted class and religion in Black communities (Jackson and Bell 8). Being a talented person, Perry could include a lot of important information in his works, highlighting the most crucial ideas, which made his plays and films very popular among people.
What distinguishes Perry’s projects from the works of other black directors is that his films and plays are especially popular among black females, as they represent the target audience of the producer. Thus, Timothy Lyle examines Perry’s dramaturgy and asserts that a special connection between his productions and black women is ensured by Perry’s feminist advocacy (943). Indeed, one of his most famous works is about Madea, an elderly black woman who is always landing herself in court for small violations. She tends to overreact when even a small and insignificant thing happens in her life. However, when someone is in trouble, she is ready to help everyone around her.
Using this unusual and controversial method of representing a protagonist, Perry demonstrates the true nature of black women. He explains the meaning of feminist spaces and motherhood and highlights the importance of self-sufficiency and self-definition for women. Also, Perry shows how black women overcome their crises and deal with conservative gender ideologies and patriarchal constructions of society (Carey 999). Even though it might seem that nowadays these issues are not topical anymore, in fact, many women still face these problems. Attending Perry’s plays and watching his movies help females to understand how to deal with the difficulties they experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, it can be concluded that Tyler Perry is an important figure in the Hollywood industry because he managed to raise a lot of topical questions in his films. His works are different from the projects of other black directors because he discusses specific issues and ideas that are especially crucial for Black females. The fact that the ideas he describes in his plays and films are topical for all generations further ensures their popularity.
References
- Carey, Tamika. “Take Your Place: Rhetorical Healing and Black Womanhood in Tyler Perry’s Films.” Journal of Women in Culture and Society, vol. 39, no. 4, 2014, pp. 999-1021.
- Jackson, Ronald, and Jamel Bell. Interpreting Tyler Perry: Perspectives on Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality. Edited by Jamel S. C. Bell and Ronald l. Jackson II, Routledge, 2014.
- Lyle, Timothy. “Check With Yo’ Man First; Check With Yo’ Man”: Tyler Perry Appropriates Drag as a Tool to Re-Circulate Patriarchal Ideology.” Callaloo, vol. 34, no. 3, 2011, pp. 943-958.